MN - George Floyd, 46, died in police custody, Minneapolis, 25 May 2020 #13 - Chauvin Trial Day 10

[MsBetsy]

I was thinking more of the ME changing to asphyxia, or something like that...

Oh, yes. He will most likely be questioned about that. It will be very hard to dispute what the experts have already testified to. Imo

 

[delilah]

Agreed. Nelson just might as well not waste his time.

Suspect he will get around this by using his tactic of getting the witness to agree to a series of questions he asks and answers himself, most of which do nothing to advance the defence’s case, in the hope that the jury will be deceived into thinking she’s agreeing with the defence’s case.

 

[dixiegirl1035]

One had a wedding in May.
He was dismissed after the judge questioned the potential jurors about the settlement agreement.

Refresher on the jurors. These are the original numbers but the order is 1, 2, 3 etc...

No. 2: White man, 20s
He described himself as a chemist and environmental studies scientist who said he typically views life through an analytical lens.

Defense attorney Eric Nelson asked him to expand on some of the answers he gave on his written questionnaire, particularly a question concerning Black Lives Matter.

“I support the message that every life should matter equally,” the juror said. “I don’t believe that the organization Black Lives Matter necessarily stands for that.”

The juror was also asked to expand on answers he gave about disparities in policing and about the criminal justice system. He said he doesn’t necessarily think Minneapolis police are more likely to use force against Black people than they would against others.

However, he said he believes the criminal justice system is biased against racial and ethnic minorities. He said there was a lot of evidence to support that opinion.

No. 9: Multi/mixed race woman, 20s
She describes herself as easygoing, and a mediator among her friends.

In her questionnaire, she said she had somewhat negative impressions of Chauvin, but that she could keep an open mind and be fair. She also said she believes the Black Lives Matter movement, along with Blue Lives Matter, has turned into a disingenuous marketing scheme for corporations.

She has an uncle who’s a police officer in central Minnesota, but said that wouldn't affect her opinion.

When the judge told her she was chosen, she said, "Awesome."

No. 19: White man, 30s
He said he’s in client services and has had to resolve conflicts before.

In his questionnaire, he indicated his view of Chauvin was “somewhat negative” because he didn’t resuscitate Floyd, and that he supports Black Lives Matter in a general context. He also said he has some unfavorable views of Blue Lives Matter.

He said he has a “friend of a friend” who is a Minneapolis K-9 officer but that he hasn’t spoken to him about the case or seen him since the pandemic.

He said he’s seen the bystander video about two or three times, not in full, as part of news articles.

No. 27: Black man, 30s
He told the court he came to the United States 14 years ago, speaks multiple languages, works in information technology and is married.

Nelson asked the juror about an answer he provided on the written questionnaire about the death of Floyd. “And you said, ‘It could have been me or anyone else.' Can you explain that a little?” asked Nelson.

“It could have been anybody. It could have been you,” replied the juror. “I also used to live not far from that area (38th Street and Chicago Avenue in south Minneapolis) when I first met my wife. So that is why I said it could have been me. It could have been anybody.”

Asked if he had any particular opinions about the Minneapolis Police Department or law enforcement in general, the man said he did not. The juror also said he felt somewhat supportive of both Black Lives Matter and Blue Lives Matter.

“And you wrote that you believe ‘our cops need to be safe and feel and be safe to protect our community,’” Nelson read from the juror’s questionnaire. “Correct,” said the juror.

No. 44: White woman, 50s
The court held part of her questioning without audio while they discussed a sensitive matter with the juror. She later said in her work for a nonprofit advocacy group, she’s had contact with Attorney General Keith Ellison.

When asked if she felt that would jeopardize her ability to be an impartial juror, she said no.

Nelson asked the juror about her answers on the jury questionnaire pertaining to the treatment of people of color by the criminal justice system.

“I do believe there’s bias,” said the woman. “I’ve seen it in my work.”

The woman also said had formed a somewhat negative opinion of Chauvin. But she said she had sympathy and empathy, not only for Floyd, but for the officers involved.

“Everyone’s lives are changed by this incident and what happened. Everyone’s lives,” she said. “And it’s not easy. For anyone.”

No. 52: Black man, 30s
He said he works in the banking industry and is a youth sports coach.

In his questionnaire, he said he was neutral on Chauvin and Floyd. He said he had seen the video and has wondered why the other officers didn’t intervene.

Prosecutor Steve Schleicher questioned one of the juror's statements made during questioning by the defense. The man had said he didn’t think anyone had the intent to cause Floyd’s death.

Schleicher said Chauvin’s intentions will be contested during the trial and asked him if he’d have a problem setting aside his opinion.

“I don’t think it would be that difficult at all,” he said. “I think I can definitely look at it with an objective point of view.”

No. 55: White woman, 50s
She said she works in health care as an executive assistant.

The juror said she couldn’t watch the full video because she found it too disturbing.

She also said in her questionnaire she has a somewhat negative opinion of Chauvin but that he’s innocent until proven otherwise.

She said she has a somewhat unfavorable opinion of Black Lives Matter, acknowledging that she perceives it to possibly mean that other lives don’t matter. She wrote on her questionnaire, “I believe all lives matter,” according to notes from the pool reporter.

No. 79: Black man, 40s
He said he works in management capacity, and that he has not formed an opinion about who is responsible for Floyd’s death.

In his questionnaire, he said he had a neutral opinion of Chauvin and a “somewhat positive” impression of Floyd.

He said he strongly disagreed with defunding police, noting that his house was burglarized once and he had to call the police. The man said he immigrated to the United States.

No. 85: Multi/mixed race woman, 40s
She said she works in organizational management.

In responses to the court, she said was always taught to respect police but added that she wouldn't have trouble second-guessing their decisions if needed.

“Police officers are human,” she said. “They’re not robots that are programmed to all behave in the exact same way. So I feel like as humans, they can make mistakes as well.”

No. 89: White woman, 50s
She said she’s a cardiac care nurse who lives in the suburbs.

She was questioned in depth about her medical training and whether she would second-guess police on resuscitation efforts. She was also asked whether she would reference her nursing experience during deliberations. She said she could avoid it, and would not act as an expert during deliberations.

“I think I can be impartial and listen to instructions and go with what I’m given and ignore the outside stuff,” she said.

No. 91: Black woman, 60s
She said she’s retired from a job in marketing, and that she has a degree in psychology. She volunteers with underserved youth. She grew up in south Minneapolis near where Floyd died.

She said she watched a few minutes of the bystander video of Floyd’s arrest before shutting it off.

She has a relative who is a Minneapolis police officer but they are not close.

She said she believes Blacks and whites do not receive equal treatment, noting that a white U.S. Capitol riot suspect was allowed to go on vacation in Mexico after she was charged.

She said she doesn’t follow the news closely and does not know enough yet to judge the case one way or another.

No. 92: White woman, 40s
She said she works in communications, and has been with the same company for 15 years.

She disagrees with defunding the police but believes change is needed based on what she's seen in media coverage of racism.

She noted somewhat negative views of both Chauvin and Floyd, that she didn’t believe Floyd deserved to die, and that police used excessive force. But she also noted she didn’t think Floyd was innocent either, according to notes from a pool reporter.

She said she understands there are reasons people struggle with addiction.

No. 96: White woman, 50s
She described herself as an animal lover who is passionate about advocacy for affordable housing and homelessness. She told the court said she recently resigned from her customer service-related job. The juror noted she feels like she is good at de-escalating conflicts and getting both sides to come together for a resolution.

She said she had seen video clips of the bystander video a few times and is also aware of the $27 million settlement.

In her questionnaire, she wrote that the restraint used on Floyd was “ultimately responsible” for his death, but under questioning she acknowledged that was her assumption based on what she had seen. She acknowledged the video may not show the entirety of what happened.

No. 118: White woman, 20s
The juror is a social worker who has relatives who are nurses.

In her line of work, she's had to call the police to remove unruly people. When asked by the prosecution if she's ever seen someone not comply with the police, she said she has not. Schleicher, the prosecutor, wondered if she would blame a person who doesn't comply with police for injuries resulting from a police encounter. She said everyone needs to be treated with respect even if they are suspected of a crime.

She disagrees with defunding police, but under questioning about police reform said that “there are good things and things that should be changed.”

The juror said she’s discussed the case with family members, including one who said they thought Chauvin should not have kept his knee on Floyd's neck for that long.

She said her decision regarding a verdict would not affect her relationship with family and she wouldn't feel the need to justify it. She said she's curious to hear more about police training that may have influenced how the encounter unfolded.

No. 131: White man, 20s
He described himself as an accountant and a sports fan. When asked by Schleicher about his opinion on athletes who “take a knee” during the national anthem, the man said, “I would prefer if someone would express their beliefs in a different manner. But I understand what they are trying to do and raise the dialogue on certain issues.”

The man said that after watching the bystander video from May 25, 2020, he felt like Chauvin’s use of force lasted too long.

He said he generally believes racial minorities are treated unfairly by the criminal justice system.

He strongly disagrees with the notion of defunding the Minneapolis Police Department. “I believe the force is a necessary and integral part of our society,” he said.

The man will be dismissed if none of the other jurors drop out by Monday, when opening statements begin.

SOURCE: MN - George Floyd, 46, Minneapolis, 25 May 2020 **Media & Timeline - NO DISCUSSION

 

[tlcya]

Nelson is stammering already. Doesn't want next item marked as an exhibit but doesn't object to it being shown jury as a demonstrative tool. Document describes medical definition of homicide. expresses concern that it will confuse jury as they will be instructed during jury instruction as to what definition of legal homicide is.

 

[dixiegirl1035]

I think that every victim's families would want her to think that their case is important enough not to charge for her services.

Of course! Which begs the question of do each of us give 100% of our time during the day for free?

Unfortunately, not many are in the position to do so and shall we applaud such? Or question motives of perhaps altruism?

 

[MsBetsy]

With each description of how he was trying to breathe, the idea of torture at the hands of LEO is clearer and clearer to me. I can't even imagine the terror that this man had for the minutes that he was alert. It is a blessing that he lost consciousness in the face of the inhumane treatment. People would not want this to happen to their loved ones, pets, or the meat they eat. I may just have to step away from this testimony but I feel like it is important to be a witness and voice for Mr. Floyd.

I've always heard that being strangled or suffocated is an agonizing way to die. I think it's evident from Floyd's last words, actions, and the look on his face that this is true. He suffered, and for several long minutes.

 

[Niner]

Not much...

Cathy Russon
@cathyrusson
·
23m
#DerekChauvinTrial - Autopsy photos are not being shown for the camera. They have prepared photos that have been passed out to every juror as Dr. Lindsey Thomas describes #GeorgeFloyd's injuries

Dr. Lindsey Thomas - "There's no evidence that he would have died that night except for the interactions with law enforcement."

link: https://twitter.com/cathyrusson



Paul Blume
@PaulBlume_FOX9
·
14m
In addition to actions of police, Dr. Thomas says she believes a secondary mechanism for #GeorgeFloyd death was "physiological stress." Explaining, this isn't just stress over a work deadline, but feeling/rush of a parent in the moment, unable to locate their toddler at a beach.

Dr Thomas discussing #GeorgeFloyd Manner of death -- homicide as we hit the AM break. Judge Cahill just told jury to return at 11:05am central. Says the parties have some legal issues to discuss in the interim.




link: https://twitter.com/PaulBlume_FOX9

 

[dixiegirl1035]

Does anyone know why these photos weren't entered as Exhibits? And, does the fact that they are not official Exhibits mean that they can't be considered during deliberation, despite the accompanying testimony?

EDIT: I misheard... they ARE Exhibits, just not published to the public. So, my new question is: Why weren't they published to the public?

Demonstrative exhibits will NOT go to jury. I have followed trials where they thought that the demonstrative showing in the trial would be able to be reviewed, and durn... jury asked for it... and judge said NO.

(this was Markel trial in Florida where they wanted the demonstrative showing in CIC... but was a compilation rendering of the cell tower data... the jury was given only the RAW data... and could NOT decipher it... MOO)

MOO.. this is why there are SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO many screenshots from video, as jurors often ask for. But they only get dragged into court for a real time once go through... vs. slow mo and screen shots.

MOO

 

[sds71]

@MaryMoriarty

Pool Note: Cahill asked a juror about whether he or she had been exposed to publicity. The juror had turned on the TV and saw a lawyer talking but turned it off.
He also asked about a text from the juror’s mother-in -law saying that it was a bad day for the defense.
Neither lawyer made a motion to excuse the juror.
Pool reporter says a juror in her 40s or 50s with medium length blond hair was questioned by Judge Cahill after “some concerns expressed” and asked her if she’d had any outside influences. She said she briefly caught TV coverage
Any book deal in the works?” Cahill said, asking if she said it even kiddingly. The woman became slightly flustered or surprised and said, “No, I don’t know how this case is going to go.” The woman reiterated she hasn’t talked to anyone about the case. She was released.

https://twitter.com/deenafaywinter/status/1380551067079950345

The pool reporter describes Chauvin's guest thusly: "She appears to be of Asian descent. She has short curly black hair, cut into a curly bob. She’s wearing a black knit wrap, a multicolor dress in hues of orange and black flats and appears to be wearing a wedding ring."
Sheriff deputy sitting between her seat & Floyd seat.
Pool reporter say Derek Chauvin’s family seat in the courtroom has someone in it for the first time today: a woman. Also the OTR discussion this morning was a juror being questioned about outside contacts.
When she was gone, Judge Cahill said there was a report that there may have been some watching of the media or information about people contacting the juror. The judge asked if the attorneys wanted to make any motions. Nelson said no. Cahill noted for the record she was surprised
The pool reporters don't seem certain how much Cahill was kidding about the book deal comment. If you've noticed, it's sometimes hard to tell if he's joking.

UPDATE: The NPR reporter in the courtroom is now saying the text may have read "looks like it was a bad day" without a reference to "for the defense." The Washington Post reporter recounts it as the simple "looks like it was a bad day."


*MIL’s will get you every time, IMO

 

[ilovewings]

Yes, it needs to be apparently drilled into the jury even more than many think. It is being said again and again and again and again by prosecution that it was due to no oxygen in blood... leading to cardiopulmonary arrest. No oxygen in the brain.. to the heart.. etc.

Your posts shows that this is so repetitive to many, but many still don't understand.

How can the prosecution explain to you and others that low oxygen in the blood leads to death as it is lower and lower and lower? (vs. choking off air trachae)

I don't know MOO, but let us know if it *clicks* eventually

Hopefully the prosecution will continue to drill this in for understanding

MOO

When I said I want to know the cause of death, I was speaking generally, when the death Cert states COD: cardiac arrest.- I was not addressing this case specifically. I believe in this case the COD was low oxygen- as explained by the prosecution experts in this case.

 

[Factoria]

More and more, I think the jury's deliberation and ultimate decision will depend VERY heavily on the specific wording of the Judge's Instructions. As we can see from the varied opinions expressed here, it's not as clear-cut as may have been initially assumed at the beginning of this trial... And, we haven't even heard what Defense will offer as evidence yet!

 

[Rhozwen]

Does anyone know why these photos weren't entered as Exhibits? And, does the fact that they are not official Exhibits mean that they can't be considered during deliberation, despite the accompanying testimony?

EDIT: I misheard... they ARE Exhibits, just not published to the public. So, my new question is: Why weren't they published to the public?

The juge's instructions to the jury regarding the packet of pictures was
"We will collect them afterwards because these are for you to use in the courtroom. The actual exibit will be available in deliberation, however."

As for why not published, from what I understand MN law requires photos to be confidential for active investigations.

This is what I found from my own research and this is my opinion.

 

[ilovewings]

More and more, I think the jury's deliberation and ultimate decision will depend VERY heavily on the specific wording of the Judge's Instructions. As we can see from the varied opinions expressed here, it's not as clear-cut as may have been initially assumed at the beginning of this trial... And, we haven't even heard what Defense will offer as evidence yet!

The cause of George Floyd's death is clear cut to me, but I do agree that a judge's instructions have great impact on a jury. Looking forward to the testimony of the medical Examiner.

 

[dixiegirl1035]

Since this medical examiner is independent, I'm kind of thinking when the actual Hennepin ME that certified the death takes the stand, the state might lay all this out for them, and ask "with the evidence before you NOW, would you change your cause of death?"

If that worked, it would be a very powerful moment, but I don't know how likely the prosecution would risk it.

Why is that a consideration from this post?

All have supported so what is the basis to this thought/post?

All support cardiopulmonary arrest bottom line MOO

Not following.....

TIA

 

[Katerz]

Dbm

 

[dixiegirl1035]

I was thinking more of the ME changing to asphyxia, or something like that...

Huh? Changing?

That was the results, so no change.

 

[Katerz]

The little smirk on the witness’ face when Nelson said he wanted to follow up. Lol she’s like try me bro

 

[Katerz]

Nelson is stammering already. We know she did not perform the autopsy.

 

[Katerz]

I lost interest in his cross already. Anyone feel like he’s making any points?

 

[Algo214]

I lost interest in his cross already. Anyone feel like he’s making any points?

None at all, "if we exclude the Police in a hypothetical"
Problem is, we can't Mr. Nelson.